#RuralPride challenges the stereotype that LGBT people only live in metropolitan areas by raising awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBT rural communities. Photo: NCLR

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Huntsville, Alabama on February 4. The event, co-hosted by the True Colors Fund, will be held at the Alabama A&M University, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Building 0870, 4900 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, Alabama, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 p.m.

#RuralPride is a partnership between NCLR and USDA that challenges the stereotype that LGBT people only live in metropolitan areas by raising awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBT rural communities. The partnership includes a series of summits being organized across the country to elevate the voices of LGBT people and families in rural communities, explore how these communities are particularly vulnerable, and discuss federal policy changes that can increase equality and access for rural LGBT people and their families. [pullquote]The partnership includes a series of summits being organized across the country to elevate the voices of LGBT people and families in rural communities, explore how these communities are particularly vulnerable, and discuss federal policy changes that can increase equality and access for rural LGBT people and their families.[/pullquote]

The #RuralPride summits center on LGBT experiences in rural America, including increased rates of economic insecurity, lack of family and nondiscrimination protections, the relationship between LGBT and faith communities, and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBT youth and rural LGBT people of color.

The issues being addressed at the Huntsville summit include: marriage and LGBT families after Obergefell; LGBT youth; poverty and economic security; and how race and religion intersect with LGBT identities. Panelists will include local advocates, attorneys and LGBT youth who will share their experiences and discuss ways to work together to improve the lives of LGBT people in Alabama.

Learn more about .The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.